Viera, FL (SportsNetwork.com) – The Washington Nationals have picked up the
2016 option on the contract of manager Matt Williams.
Williams is entering his second season as the club’s skipper and last year
guided the Nationals to the National League East title. Washington led the NL
with 96 wins in 2014, then bowed out in the Division Series against eventual
World Series champion San Francisco.
“It shows the great confidence we have in Matt to continue to lead this team
on the field,” said Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo in a statement
Saturday. “During his rookie season, he helped us navigate through injuries
and led us to our second NL East Division title in three years. His leadership
has earned him the respect of our players, coaches and his colleagues around
the league.”
Williams played 17 seasons as a third baseman with San Francisco, Cleveland
and Arizona. The five-time All-Star was a coach with the Arizona Diamondbacks
for four years before taking the Nats’ job.
His lone managing experience before last year came with Salt River in the
Arizona Fall League.
However, Williams’ efforts in 2014 with Washington earned him the NL Manager
of the Year award. He was the first rookie manager since 2006 to win the
award.
“Matt’s accomplishments on the field speak for themselves,” said Nationals
owner Theodore N. Lerner. “He takes great pride not only in how the game is
played, but in our players. We are fortunate to have Matt as our manager and
look forward to him leading us to new heights.”
Williams also has a second contract option in 2017.
